Man guilty in Valley Stream home invasion

Police investigated a home invasion on Dana Avenue in North Valley Stream in January 2012. The home has since been demolished and replaced.

Andrew Hackmack/Herald

A jury has convicted a Queens man in connection with a North Valley Stream home invasion two years ago.

Levy Robinson, 46, of Jamaica, Queens, was found guilty of four counts of first-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree robbery, three counts of first-degree burglary, second-degree assault and four counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, all felonies. He was also convicted of several misdemeanors, including resisting arrest, six counts of unlawful imprisonment and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

On Jan. 16, 2012, Robinson and 36-year-old Timothy Capers, also of Jamaica, forced their way into a home on Dana Avenue in North Valley Stream. They tied up six family members, including two adults and four children, ages 3, 5, 9 and 11.

After a call from one of the hostages, Nassau County Police responded to the scene and were able to help the family members escape. A gunshot battle ensued in the house, and Capers died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the medical examiner. Robinson was arrested at the scene.

“Thanks to the bravery of the police officers who entered the house that night, the family that Mr. Robinson terrorized was rescued without suffering serious injury,” Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said. “Today’s verdict ensures that this defendant will be held accountable for his crimes which, if not for the quick thinking of the police officers involved, could have ended in tragedy for the family targeted on that night.”

Officer Juan Giron, who was first on scene, later received a medal of valor from the Police Department and has since been promoted to detective.

Police also arrested 25-year-old Varinder Singh, of North Valley Stream, who set up the robbery but did not enter the house. He later pleaded guilty to several charges and is serving seven years in prison.

Robinson’s trial lasted three weeks and the jury deliberated for a day and a half. He will be sentenced by Judge David Sullivan on May 5, and faces up to 25 years in prison.

The house was later torn down, and a new home was built on the site, which is located next to the Howell Road School parking lot.